In Thailand, thousands gather annually at Wang Bang Phra in Nakhon Pathom for the Wai Kru ceremony to receive or recharge sak yant tattoos, believed to offer protection and good fortune. The event involves blessings from monks and rituals honoring Luang Pho Poen, a revered Buddhist monk. Devotees often enter trances, embodying the characteristics of their tattoos. The ceremony is marked by offerings and strict adherence to rules to maintain the tattoos' potency.

The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism in Phuket, Thailand. Typically a bustling tourist hotspot, Phuket is experiencing a significant downturn due to travel restrictions and the end of the monsoon season, which usually brings in a surge of visitors. The pandemic has transformed Phuket into a ghost town, with many businesses in the Old Town area of Phuket Town closed, some for good. The situation highlights the severe effects of the pandemic on local economies that heavily rely on tourism.

An anti-totalitarianism march in Hong Kong, despite a police ban, drew thousands of demonstrators and marked the fifth anniversary of the Umbrella Revolution. The march ended in violent clashes, with protesters destroying public property and police responding with tear gas and live rounds. An 18-year-old protester was shot by police, leading to widespread condemnation. The incident coincided with the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, highlighting the stark contrast between celebrations in Beijing and unrest in Hong Kong. Police Chief Stephen Lo defended the use of live ammunition, citing threats to officers' lives. The day was marked as one of the most violent and chaotic in Hong Kong's recent history, with numerous injuries and arrests.

The article covers the extensive protests in Hong Kong, which have been ongoing for over two months. Triggered by a proposed extradition bill that would allow fugitives to be extradited to mainland China, the protests have seen massive public participation, with a march on June 9 attracting over 1 million people. Despite the suspension of the bill and an apology from Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the protests have intensified due to police violence and the government's response. Protesters have expanded their demands to include the complete withdrawal of the bill, exoneration of arrested protesters, and universal suffrage. The article details various protest events and the escalation of violence, indicating that the unrest shows no sign of abating after 11 weeks.

Makha Bucha, the second most important Buddhist holiday in Thailand, is celebrated by over 30,000 temples nationwide. The holiday, which falls on the full moon of the third lunar month, emphasizes the virtues of not committing sins and features a candlelit procession. Bangkok, with its many significant Buddhist temples, attracts millions of devotees. Notable temples include Wat Lat Phrao in the Lat Phrao district, Wat Saket near the Phra Nakhon district, and the futuristic Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani.

In 2015, Hanna Bohman, a 48-year-old Canadian woman with no military experience, joined a Kurdish militia fighting against ISIS in Syria. Motivated by her interest in military matters and the opportunity for women to fight, she trained briefly and witnessed acts of bravery among her comrades. Despite being viewed as heroes by the local population, they faced hostility from Turkish neighbors. Bohman, proud of her experience, has no plans to return to combat, expressing a desire to avoid further violence.

In 2015, Hanna Bohman, a 48-year-old Canadian with no military experience, joined the Kurdish militia Yekineyen Parastina Jin (YPJ) to fight against the Islamic State in Syria. Despite her lack of training, she witnessed acts of bravery and was regarded as a hero by local residents. However, she faced accusations of terrorism from Turkish media. Bohman is proud of her experience but has no plans to return to combat, expressing a desire to avoid further violence.

Thailand concluded a year of mourning for King Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej with a grand five-day funeral attended by hundreds of thousands. King Bhumibol, who ruled for 70 years, was a stabilizing figure in a country marked by political turmoil. The mourning period saw millions pay their respects, culminating in an emotional cremation ceremony. The nation now transitions to the reign of his son, King Rama X Vajiralongkorn, but the legacy of King Bhumibol remains deeply ingrained in the collective memory of the Thai people.

Myanmar's Rohingya population faces severe restrictions and discrimination, living in segregated camps with limited access to basic necessities and services. The Rohingya, stripped of citizenship and barred from participating in elections, are confined to areas with poor living conditions and restricted movement. The Myanmar government has been criticized for its treatment of the Rohingya, while aid organizations struggle to provide support amidst growing resentment from the local Rakhine population. The situation remains dire, with malnutrition, inadequate medical care, and limited educational opportunities exacerbating the hardships faced by the Rohingya.

The article discusses the gambling aspect of the rocket festival celebrations in Yasothon, Thailand. The author encountered a foreigner who highlighted the practice of betting on the rocket launches, with 1,000 Thai baht notes being exchanged based on the outcomes. Losers of the bets had to cover themselves in mud, and as the day progressed, those with the most losses were visibly covered in mud. The winning team, whose rocket flew the highest and farthest, earned a prize of 50 thousand Thai baht, a significant amount considering it is nearly four times the average monthly salary in Thailand.